(Booz & Co.: New York) -- A new wave of optimism is overtaking the U.S. auto industry as it rebounds from the depths of the recession and a brutal restructuring, according to Booz & Co.’s second annual U.S. Automotive Industry Survey and Confidence Index.

“Bullishness and optimism prevailed in the survey results,” says Scott Corwin, a partner at Booz & Co. “Auto executives clearly believe the industry is back. It has emerged from the lows of the 2009 recession with a much stronger and more stable foundation. The newly restructured industry is leaner, is stronger, and has gone ‘back to basics,’ paving the way for a brighter, more profitable future.”

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